Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has claimed that the Manchester City of last season are superior to that of this season ahead of today’s lunch time clash at St James’ Park.

Manchester City beat Pardew’s side home and away last season, including the vital victory that saw them claim pole position going into the final day of the season against QPR.

But despite Mancini’s side still sitting second in the table, Pardew doesn’t feel that they have improved at all from last season and is hopeful of a big result this afternoon.

Newcastle are struggling for consistency in the league this season and are just two points clear of the relegation zone. Along with hosting the Premier League champions today, Pardew’s side face Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton in the next three weeks but the under pressure Newcastle boss is confident his squad has the work ethic to quickly improve.

"They [Manchester City] were definitely the best away team we played last season," Pardew told talkSPORT.

"We got nothing off them last year but I don't think they are as strong as they were last year coming into this game."

"We are having a tough run, we don't disguise that, but the work ethic is there," he added.

"One big result, which could happen this weekend, could change a lot of the picture and we could find ourselves in a good position in the league."